19 Feb 12

Solberg backs
WRC Academy
training

Former world champion Petter Solberg has told emerging young rally drivers to consider the FIA WRC Academy for 2012 because of the level of training on offer.

The world championship support category not only includes six rounds of the WRC in identical Ford Fiesta R2s using control Pirelli tyres, it also offers on-event guidance on several areas of the sport that drivers must master in order to progress their careers. These include pace note tuition, physical fitness, goal setting, car preparation and maintenance, and public relations training.

“Last year the FIA WRC Academy was a great success and I hope this year will be even better,” said the works Ford driver. “We saw some exciting young talent last year and to have the support system there to help them is just perfect. There is always a lot of pressure for any young driver when they contest their first WRC event, so to have the support that the WRC Academy provides is fantastic.”

The level of training provided by WRC Academy promoter M-Sport is unique in international rallying and is held in high regard, particularly by those drivers taking part on world championship events for the first time.

The 2012 WRC Academy season starts on Vodafone Rally de Portugal at the end of March.